Tony Mowbray hinted that Blackburn Rovers are making progress in adding to their squad in the transfer market as the deadline approaches. While the club has signed two players this summer, the head coach emphasized that further movement is required before the September 1 cutoff to balance the team. Following a meeting with Venky's in Switzerland, Mowbray expressed optimism that things are starting to develop and hopes for significant activity in the coming days.
"That will change over the days we have got left," Mowbray said regarding potential signings. "Things are happening today, I hope. Over the next week, I think things will speed up. There needs to be one or two outs first and then we can fill those spaces. I'm very sure that will happen. I am not here stamping my feet about it too much. I think it would help the team if we brought in one or two to fill the spaces that I want to fill with different types of players. If we do that, that would be great. If not, that's fine. The team has shown me it can dig in and work together."
Sidnei Tavares has been one of those touted to leave, with Lancashire Telegraph hearing whispers of interest from Portugal and external reports linking him with a move to Poland. The 24-year-old was set to start against Sheffield United but missed training on Monday after reporting ill. He was also unavailable due to sickness in Rovers' final pre-season game at Huddersfield Town. Mowbray said he was unaware of any interest in Tavares, stating, "He reported in sick today," he explained. "He had been in my plans to start the game tomorrow. That will now change. I genuinely haven't had any calls or thoughts about him other than that he'd get his chance to play against Sheffield United. That hasn't arisen now."
Igor Tyjon's contract dispute remains ongoing, with reports suggesting a fee had been agreed between Arsenal and Rovers, though no official confirmation has followed. The youngster has been training at Rovers' Academy after his early involvement in pre-season. Mowbray was unable to provide any significant update on the deal. "Not really," he said when asked if he could share any updates. "He doesn't train with us at the moment. He did in the first few weeks of pre-season. Then, for whatever reason, negotiations, contract issues or agents, until it's sorted, he's training at the Academy. I don't know what's happening with him at the minute."
Middlesbrough were beaten 2-1 by Blackburn at Ewood Park in a competitive contest that saw Rovers resilience. Boro took the lead in the first half when Jeremy Sarmiento scored his first goal for the club in the 12th minute. Yet, the visitors conceded twice in ten minutes after half time, with Blackburn forward Andri Gudjohnsen heading home from a corner and Todd Cantwell netting the winner with a header from open play.
Radek Vitek made two big saves in the first half to keep Boro ahead, but he stuck on his line as Blackburn equalised from a corner and left the ball alive when he parried a tame effort in the lead up to Rovers' winner. Callum Brittain was energetic and managed to get in advanced positions but lacked the quality required to create significant chances in the second half, skewed a volley wide when he was picked out at the far post. Luke Ayling made a tremendous clearance off the line in the first half but wasn't always convincing defensively, conceding possession in the lead up to Blackburn' winner which left Boro stretched at the back. Adilson Malanda was fortunate that Blackburn didn't capitalise in the first half when a loose pass left Boro in trouble; he wasn't at his best in possession and endured a physical challenge against Blackburn forward Andri Gudjohnsen.
This victory provides a welcome boost as Rovers look to navigate the season. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 20th in Championship, 52 pts, 13W-13D-20L from 46 games, recent form LWDLD. The last result was Blackburn 0-1 Leicester (2026-05-02), the squad currently has 42 scored and 56 conceded (-14 goal difference).
